How to Catch a Football With Pads On

Heads up - the ball is headed right for you!

Catching a football with pads on can be a tough experience. The first time a player puts pads on for the season, it changes the game and that includes carrying and catching the ball. Here are some tips to make catching a football with pads on a no-brainer.

Instructions

1. Fully extend arms in front of you.

2. Position fingers with both hands together in shape of a triangle.

3. Watch the ball with your eyes all the way into your hands: remember, they say "keep your eye on the ball" for a reason.

4. Catch ball away from your chest.

5. Upon catch, tuck ball under arm and establish three points of contact:1. Back of ball touches bicep.2. Body of ball rests against forearm and against side of body.3. Hand rests around the front tip of the ball.

6. Carry ball upfield once the football is caught, tucked and positioned against body.

Tips & Warnings

• Good contact with football is always required.

• Practice the positioning of the ball in your arms so ball doesn't drop after the catch.

• Balls coming above the head should be caught with fingertips/hands up.

• Balls coming below the waist for a catch should be caught with fingertips/hands down.

• While catching ball be aware of defenders around you.